Apparatus for generating a wobble motion

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for generating a wobble motion with a wobble body is disclosed. An endless band is secured to the wobble body for transmitting motion thereto. The endless band is formed of a flat circular ring band which is bent about axes parallel to two perpendicular diameters. In position, the endless band includes a symmetry plane which extends through one of the body suspension means. A drive mechanism secured to a frame imparts motion to the wobble body via the endless band. The wobble body is rotatably secured to a frame by suspension means.

United States Patent 11 1 1111 3,824,866 Schatz July 23, 1974 [54]APPARATUS FOR GENERATING A 3,475,976 11/1969 Steinke 74/63 WOBBLE MOTIONFOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [76] Inventor: Paul Schatz,Raengartenweg 1 1, 497,244 5/1930 Germany 74/55 4143 Dornach/Sol,Switzerland Primary ExaminerSamuel Scott [22] Filed Apr- 1973 AssistantExaminerWesley S. Ratliff, Jr. [21] Appl. No.: 351,337 Attorney, Agent,or Firm-Werner W. Kleeman [30] Foreign Application Priority Data [57]ABSTRACT Apr. 19, 1972 Switzerland 5818/72 Ah apparatus for generating aWobble motion with wobble body is disclosed. An endless band issecured52 US. Cl. 74/61 wthe wobble y for transmitting motion thereto- 51 1111,C1. Fl6h 33/00 The endless band is formed of a flat Circular ring band[58] Field 61 Search 74/61, 63; 64/18; 35/12 B, which is b about axesParallel to two Perpendicular 35/12 C, 12 p diameters. ln position, theendless band includes a M symmetry plane which extends through one ofthe 5 References Cited body suspension means. A drive mechanism securedto a frame imparts motion to the wobble body via the 860 155 S PATENTS74/63 endless band. The wobble body is rotatably secured to usse r y1,071,101 2/1913 Shaffer 35/12 P a frame by Suspenslo means' 3,136,0756/1964 8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Brian 35/12 C APPARATUS FORGENERATING A WOBBLE MOTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates to a new and improved construction of apparatus forgenerating a wobble or tumbling motion. 4

Such equipment is known to the art and, for instance, has been disclosedin Swiss Pat. No. 216,760. Apparatuses of this type up to the presenthave been driven via two shafts which move in opposite directions andwith alternately decelerating and accelerating motion. This requires arather complicated and especially expensive drive mechanism whichadditionally is associated with poor efficiency.

Bodies moving with a wobble or tumbling motion, especially if they havea shape accommodated to the momentarily encountered special field ofuse, can be employedwith great efficiency for instance as jarringcontainers in jarring machines or also as repulsion elements for shipdrives. The thus attained advantages in comparison with conventionalsystems are particularly then significant if they are employed withefficientv drive mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Hence, it is a primary object of the presentinvention to provide an improved construction of apparatus forgenerating a wobble or tumbling motion and which apparatus is notassociated with the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of theprior art proposals.

Generally speaking, the present invention relates to an apparatus forgenerating a wobble motion by means of a wobble body and which motion isdefined by the movement of the central element of a uniform threepartchain turned insideout, and the wobble body being mounted in a framesuch that it can only carry out such wobble motion, there also beingprovided a drive mechanism.

According to the invention and for the purpose of avoiding thepreviously discussed drawbacks, the apparatus of this development ismanifested by the features that an endless band produced by thecrosswise opposed curving of a circular ring about axes parallel to twoperpendicular diameters is secured to the wobble body in such a mannerthat a respective one of its planes of symmetry extends through arespective one of I the suspension devices of the body and whichsuspension devices intersect one another, and the open ends of theperpendicular respective projection of the band extends towards therespective symmetry plane of the respective suspension device and ineach instance possesses the same spacing therefrom, and'further, that asthe drive for the hand there is provided at least one drive meansarranged such that its point of attack or engagement with the band islocated at the central plane between the bearing locations or bearingsof the wobble body at theframe.

Advantageously, the drive means consists of one friction wheel, or forthe purpose of increasing the frictional force, also two friction wheelssymmetricallyarranged with regard to one another and with respect to theband. In order to balance out or compensate for possible irregularitiesof the-apparatus, :it is advantageous if the friction wheels areelastically mounted. Particularly suitable for use as the wobble bodyvare the BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be betterunderstood and objects other than those set forth above, will becomeapparent when consideration is given to the following detaileddescription thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a detail of a variant of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the invention which is acombination of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Describing now thedrawings, in FIG. 1 there is illustrated a conventional suspensionmechanism for generating a wobble motion. In particular, it will berecognizedthat in aframe or housing 1 there are mounted parallelyrotatable two shafts 2 having bifurcated or fork-like ends 2a and theseshafts are secured against axial displacement by any suitableandtherefore not particularly illustrated means. Between the two prongs orlegs 20 of each of the fork-shaped or bifurcated shaft ends 2a there ispivotably mounted by means of a respective axle bolt 2b a respectiveapproximately U- shaped bracket 3. Both ends of each bracket 3 possess arespective pin 3a. These pins 3a serve for the attachment of a wobblebody 4 and are pivotably mounted in bearing bushings or sleeves 3barranged at the surface of wobble body 4. The connecting lines of eachtwo respective pins 3a mounted at their bracket 3 extend in twodirections which are perpendicular to one another.

Under the precondition that the spacing between the connecting lines ofeach two respective pins 3a and the spacing between each respectiveconnecting line and the corresponding axle or bolt 2b have the samemagnitude and both of the rotatable shafts 2 possess a spacing greaterby the factor 3, then it is impossible for the wobble body 4 to carryout a movement defined by the central element of a three-part chainwhich has been turned inside-out. Both of the shafts thus carry outopposed rotations which are alternately accelerated and decelerated. Thewobble body 4, in this Figure having a special form derivedfrom thekinematics of insideout turned bodies and known from Swiss Pat. No.500,000, carries an endless band 5 secured by four supports 5a. Thisband 5 is symmetrical with respect to two planes which are perpendicularto one another. Further, the band 5 is arranged such that a respectiveone of its symmetry planes extends through the common axis of each tworespective pins 3a and its center of gravity coincides with the point ofbisection of the shortest connection between the connection lines ofeach two respective pins, or stated in another way, that the first twosymmetrical curve points of most .pronounced curvature are spaced thesame distance from the closer situated pair of pins thanthe other twofrom the other pin pair. This spatially curved endless band consists ofa flat circular ring band bent cross-wise in opposed relation about axeswhich are parallel to two perpendicular diameters. In each case tworadii of the original circular band and which radii extend through thepoints of most pronounced curvature form an angle of 120. The size ofthe band 5 basically is of no significance, yet the inner radius of thegenerating circular band at least must correspond approximately to thevalue, multiplied by a factor of 1.2, of the spacing of the connectionlines of eachtwo respective pins 3a.

Under these preconditions, during the wobblingmotion of the wobble body4 and therefore the band 5 connected therewith, the radii of the bandtravel through a spatially'fixed line 5b, and specifically that linewhich is parallel to the shafts and extending through the point ofbisection of the'spacing of their axes. Furthermore, all points of theband, the spacing of which from its inner and outer edge are of the samemagnitude, move uniformly. In this manner it is thus possible touniformly drive a system of the previously described type for generatinga wobble motion.To this end there is secured to a drive shaft 6 mountedat the frame'la drive member such as a friction wheel 6a (which also maybe a gear) which is in engagement with the band 5 exactly along thepreviously mentioned spatially fixed line 5b. Instead of employing'thefriction wheel it would also be possible to use a slightly conical gear.For the friction drivethere can be realized a force transmission free ofslip by application of an elastic layer to the endless band.

Since the speed of individual band points is dependent upon theirspacing from the edge of the band, there results therefrom the advantagethat the speed of the wobble motion can be infinitely controlled in thesimplest manner without the need to employ reduction gearing. To thisend the friction wheel 6a is displaced axially in the direction of theouter edge of the band when the speed should be reduced, and towards theinner band edge when the speed should be increased, the rotational speedof the drive shaft 6 remaining constant.

Equipment with wobble-bodies are employed in jarring machines, whereinthe wobble body serves as a jarring container. In FIG. 1 the wobble body4 therefore possesses an infeed and outfeed opening 4a. The wobble bodywhich is known from the aforementioned Swiss Pat. No. 500,000, has anideal form as a mixing container, however, also can be replaced forinstance by a cylindrical vessel 7 with an opening 7a, as such has beenillustrated for instance in FIG. 2 in accordance with a second exemplaryembodiment of the invention. This arrangement corresponds completely tothat depicted in FIG. 1 and accordingly corresponding compo nents havebeen indicated by reference characters which have been increased by thenumber 10, for instance shafts 2 of FIG. 1 are identified by referencecharacter 12 in FIG. 2 and so forth. The cylinder 7 could be constructedfor instance only as a support for an actual jarring vessel, which thenwould be mounted therein and can be there fixedly retained in order tobe capable of again being removedfollowing the jarring operation.

In order to render possible a continuous charging and removal of thematerial which is to be jarred, there are introduced into the wobblebody 27 which has only been partially illustrated in FIG. '3, two hoses28,

wherein a respective hose section 28b is connected through the agency ofa suitable coupling, such ascoupling 28a permitting relative rotationbetween two parts, with a hose section 28c which is guided through ashaft 22 constructed as a hollow shaft and provided with a bifurcated orforked end 22a. In FIG. 3 for the sake of preserving clarity inillustration, there has only been depicted one of the hoses 28. Thewobble body 27 is mounted by means of the brackets 23, only one of whichis visible. At the region of a respective bearing bushing or sleeve 23bthe wobble body 27 possesses a respective connection'opening 27a for thehoses 28.

Now in FIG. 4 there is depicted a further exemplary embodiment of theinvention. This embodiment of the invention differs from the first threeembodiments by a novel type of mounting of the wobble body 34, which inthis instance again advantageously possesses the shape of the alreadymentioned wobble body of FIG. 1 and that described in greater detail inSwissPat. No. 500,000. The wobble body 34 is here provided with sliderunners or skids 39 forming arcs of slightly more than 240, and theserunners 39 are located in two planes disposed perpendicular to oneanother and in a position where the concave sides confront one another,and further, wherein each runner forms the symmetry plane for the other.The entire body 34 is connectedin such a manner with the drive band 35that its center of gravity coincides with the common center of gravityof the pair of slide runners 39 and each runner plane is located in oneof the symmetry planes of the band. The curvature of the band thuscorresponds to that of the momentarily closer situated slide runner. Therunners 39 are guided in a respective flexible bearing bushing or sleeve320 each of which, in turn, is connected with a respective shaft 32rotatably mounted at the frame or housing 31.'The drive shaft 36with'the friction wheel 36a extends parallel to both shafts 32, throughthe bisection point of the connection line of the latter.

The entire arrangement is dimensioned such that the spacing between thecurvature centers of the runners is equal to their radii of curvatureand the spacing between both shafts 32 corresponds to theradius of therunners multiplied by the factor 3. In the event, as is the case withthe embodiment under consideration, the wobble body possesses a formwhich is derived from the kinematics of turning a body inside-out and asis known from Swiss Pat. No. 500,000 with only slightly smallercharacteristic sizes than that of the drive system, then the band 35 canbe mounted directly at the wobble body at its central line, as such hasbeen depicted in FIG. 4. c

Of course, the runners 39 also could be secured to any other body, forinstance a cylinder, however then the band 35 must be fixed thereto viawebs or struts.

In the event the wobble body is hollow, then this equipment also can beemployed as a jarring machine.

When using awobble body with the previously disclosed particular shape,the equipment of the invention disclosed in conjunction with FIG. 4 alsoconstitutes a particularly effective repulsion element, for instance forthe drive of a ship. This special wobble body itself as well as also theband possesses outstanding hydrodynamic efiiciency. Up to now this couldnot be made use of since the cumbersome mounting of the wobble body inbrackets and the disadvantageous drive via the bearing shafts againdestroyed the good efficiency.

A particularly interesting possibility is realized if the embodimentsdepicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 are combined, as the same has been shown inFIG. 5. The shafts 42 are constructed as hollow shafts and connectedthrough the agency of rotatable hose couplings 48a with a respectiveinfeedand outfeed conduit 48b. Each hose section 480 which extends outof the associated hollow shaft 42 slightly above the associated sleeveor bushing 42c, as shown, is connected to the wobble body 44 by arespective connection nipple 44a. The entire system is mounted in aclosed container 41. However, one of the conduits 48b is connected withthe container 41, as shown at the right of FIG. 5. The container 41further possesses a discharge opening 41a and a discharge conduit orline 41b connected therewith. By virtue of this construction there canbe realized in continuous manner a particularly intimate double mixingof materials which are to be jarred. On the one hand, mixing can occurin the jarring vessel 44 and, on the otherhand, by its repulsive actionin the container 41.

In the event that the container 41 is omitted and the entire systemmounted in the manner depicted in FIG. 4, then there is attained asimpler jarring mechanism.

A further field of use resides in the field of water purification. Forinstance, a ship travelling upon the ocean could be driven by means ofthe apparatus and at the same time the sea water could be conductedthrough the inner compartment of the wobble body which contains silvergranulates and thus such sea water freed in a particularly simple andeffective manner from pathogenic bacteria and germs. Also it is men'-tioned that the endless band can be provided with ribs or teeth, ifdesired.

While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of theinvention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is notlimited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practicedwithin the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for generating a wobble motion with a wobble body, saidwobble body being mounted via suspension means at a frame such that itcan carry out only one predetermined wobble motion, and a drivemechanism, the improvement comprising an endless band having crosswiseopposed portions symmetrically curved with respect to two perpendicularsymmetry planes about axes extending perpendicular to said planesrespectively, each of said suspension means possessing a respectivepivot axis, said band being secured to the wobble body such that arespective one of its symmetry planes is perpendicular to a respectivepivot axis of the associated suspension means, the imaginary connectinglines extending between opposed points of maximum curvature of said bandbeing situated closer to the associated suspension means that the centerof gravity of the curved band, and the drive mechanism for the bandcomprising at least one drive means arranged such that its point ofattack at the band is located substantially at the central plane betweenthe mounting locations of the suspension means at the frame.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the endless'band isprovided with ribs.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the endless band isprovided with teeth.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said drive means for theband comprises a gear.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said drive means for theband comprises a friction wheel.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim l,'wherein said drive means for theband possesses two drive wheels which are symmetrically arranged at theband with respect to the point of attack.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the wobble body isprovided with substantially arcuateshaped runners located in two planesperpendicular to one another and with their concave sides confrontingone another, said runners being secured at the endless band in such amanner that its center of gravity coincides with the common center ofgravity of the pair of runners and a respective runner plane is locatedin a respective symmetry plane of the band, and the respective runnercurvatures extend analogous to the projections of the band upon therespective symmetry plane, and said slide runners being slidinglymounted in two flexible bearing bushings.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the wobble bodypossesses the form of a hull body of a system formed of twoarcuate-shaped runners located in planes perpendicular to one anotherand rigidly connected with one another.

1. An apparatus for generating a wobble motion with a wobble body, saidwobble body being mounted via suspension means at a frame such that itcan carry out only one predetermined wobble motion, and a drivemechanism, the improvement comprising an endless band having crosswiseopposed portions symmetrically curved with respect to two perpendicularsymmetry planes about axes extending perpendicular to said planesrespectively, each of said suspension means possessing a respectivepivot axis, said band being secured to the wobble body such that arespective one of its symmetry planes is perpendicular to a respectivepivot axis of the associated suspension means, the imaginary connectinglines extending between opposed points of maximum curvature of said bandbeing situated closer to the associated suspension means that the centerof gravity of the curved band, and the drive mechanism for the bandcomprising at least one drive means arranged such that its point ofattack at the band is located substantially at the central plane betweenthe mounting locations of the suspension means at the frame.
 2. Theapparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the endless band is providedwith ribs.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the endlessband is provided with teeth.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein said drive means for the band comprises a gear.
 5. The apparatusas defined in claim 1, wherein said drive means for the band comprises afriction wheel.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein saiddrive means for the band possesses two drive wheels which aresymmetrically arranged at the band with respect to the point of attack.7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the wobble body isprovided with substantially arcuate-shaped runners located in two planesperpendicular to one another and with their concave sides confrontingone another, said runners being secured at the endless band in such amanner that its center of gravity coincides with the common center ofgravity of the pair of runners and a respective runner plane is locatedin a respective symmetry plane of the band, and the respective runnercurvatures extend analogous to the projections of the band upon therespective symmetry plane, and said slide runners being slidinglymounted in two flexible bearing bushings.
 8. The apparatus as defined inclaim 1, wherein the wobble body possesses the form of a hull body of asystem formed of two arcuate-shaped runners located in planesperpendicular to one another and rigidly connected with one another.